Dr Clare O’Donnell, Head of Optegra Eye Sciences and registered optometrist, commented: “Without regular eye examinations, problems are being left undiagnosed and untreated which can lead to serious vision damage.

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82 per cent of people would love to have perfect 20:20 vision (Image: Getty)

“It is vital for everyone to have regular eye checks, even if they suspect nothing is wrong with their eye sight. By giving up just 20-30 minutes of your time once every two years, you can potentially save your vision.”

The study shows that, despite shying away from eye tests, 82 per cent of people would love to have perfect 20:20 vision and more than half value their eyesight above any other sense.

But many don’t bother to make the necessary appointments and, as such, conditions such as cataracts – treatable if diagnosed – are being detected late.

Other conditions which can potentially cause blindness if left untreated are age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

But just 38 per cent of British adults have their eyes tested every two years, and only 46 per cent of those who already wear glasses continue to get regular checks.

Mr. Robert Morris, Consultant Eye Surgeon and Medical Director at Optegra Eye Health Care, says: “There are serious eye conditions such as a retinal tear that a patient could easily have no idea they are living with – but which do need to have immediate, emergency surgery. If left too late many conditions can only be treated to keep the condition under control, rather than attempt to cure it.”

Dr O’Donnell concludes: “Every day 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight and two million people live with significant sight loss. Vision is such a precious sense, a simple, regular eye test can prevent eye diseases and future worry, missing out simply isn’t worth the risk.”